Secondary Back account

You can use revolut / transferwise for this as well. personally i use both of them!

You may open a grab account and apply for the grab card.

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You only top-up it whenever you want to use it.

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But the rewards/cashcard will not be that good as Grab was being nerf-ed.

It's understandable that you want to take extra precautions to protect your primary bank account and mitigate the risk of banking scams. Here are some considerations for the options you've mentioned:

Option 1: Create another bank account
Creating a secondary bank account can provide an additional layer of security for your primary account. By transferring a portion of your funds to this account and using its debit card, you reduce the exposure of your primary account details. This way, even if your secondary account is compromised, the potential loss would be limited.

When choosing the bank for your secondary account, consider factors such as fees, convenience, customer service, and any specific features you may require. Some reputable banks in Singapore that you may consider for a secondary account include DBS, OCBC, UOB, or Standard Chartered. It's advisable to research and compare their offerings to find the bank that best suits your needs.

Option 2: Buy a NETS prepaid card
A NETS prepaid card can be a convenient option for making payments at places that do not accept credit cards. You can load the card with a specific amount and use it as needed. However, do note that this option may involve additional costs, such as card issuance fees or reloading fees, depending on the specific prepaid card you choose.

Before deciding on this option, it's essential to check with the places you frequent if they accept NETS prepaid cards, as acceptance may vary across merchants. Additionally, consider the convenience and accessibility of reloading the card when necessary.

Ultimately, the choice between these options depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you frequently encounter situations where credit cards are not accepted, option 1 of creating a secondary bank account might provide more flexibility. However, if the number of instances is limited, option 2 of using a NETS prepaid card could be a viable solution.

Remember to review the terms and conditions, fees, and security features associated with any bank account or prepaid card you consider. It's also a good practice to regularly monitor your accounts for any suspicious activities and report any concerns to the respective banks immediately. Hope that heps. :)

Set alert for amounts above certain comfortable levels?

Most places should accept credit cards unless e.g. hawker where paylah can be used..paylah at max lose whatever in the wallet.